A 33-year-old mathematics professor, Alok Singh, was fatally stabbed on a local train in Mumbai on Saturday following a dispute while disembarking at Malad railway station. The incident has deeply shaken the city.
Details of the Attack
Singh, a resident of Kandivali and professor at Narsee Monjee College of Commerce and Economics in Vile Parle, was traveling with colleague Sudhirkumar Suryakumar Trivedi. They boarded the Dawn Borivali slow local at 5:25 pm after taking an autorickshaw to Andheri station.
According to Trivedi’s account, the altercation began as the train approached Malad at approximately 5:40 pm. An unidentified man, described as being between 30 and 35 years old, with long black hair and a moustache, asked Singh to move forward to exit the train. Singh responded that he was willing to disembark but noted the presence of women ahead of him.
As both men exited the train onto platform 1, the argument continued. Trivedi witnessed the assailant stab Singh in the abdomen with what authorities later identified as a pair of forceps. Trivedi attempted to apprehend the attacker, grabbing his hair, but the assailant escaped towards a foot overbridge.
Despite efforts to contact railway helplines and police, Singh succumbed to his injuries at Shatabdi Hospital in Kandivali west at 6:15 pm. His body was then transferred to Bhagwati hospital, and his father was notified by government railway police.
Omkar Shinde, identified as the assailant, was arrested within 12 hours of the murder from his home in Kurar village, Malad east. Police located Shinde after reviewing CCTV footage showing him fleeing the scene. He was apprehended by the Railway Protection Force as he approached Malad station and is currently in the custody of the Government Railway Police (GRP) until January 30, held under section 103 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
According to Assistant Commissioner of Police Kishore Shinde, the assailant confessed to the argument, stating he attempted to force Singh forward despite a woman being in the way.
What Happens Next?
Shinde will remain in GRP custody until January 30. Legal proceedings are likely to follow, potentially including a trial. The GRP may conduct further investigations into Shinde’s background and motives. It is possible that this incident could lead to increased security measures on local trains, though no such measures have been announced at this time. Commuters may experience heightened anxiety and increased vigilance while using public transportation in the coming days.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time did the stabbing occur?
The stabbing occurred at approximately 5:40 pm, as the train arrived at Malad station.
What weapon was used in the attack?
The assailant used a pair of forceps to stab Alok Singh in the abdomen.
Where was the assailant apprehended?
Omkar Shinde was arrested from his home in Kurar village, Malad east, and then again as he approached Malad station.
How do you think communities can address the underlying factors that contribute to such acts of violence?
